Portable folding chair

ABSTRACT

A multifunctional folding chair that may be used by spectators at many types of events, including sporting events, camping, tailgating, and the like. The folding chair may include height adjustable legs that allow the seat to be used on uneven surfaces and to be adjustable for various users (e.g., for children and adults). The height adjustable legs may be capable of being secured substantially flush with the base of the seat when not needed (e.g., when used on bleachers).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/719,063 entitled “SPECTATOR'S DREAM SEAT” filed on Aug. 16, 2018, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy spending time outdoors at for example, a sporting event, camping, performances etc. If it is provided at all, seating at these outdoor events can be limited and/or uncomfortable. Many people also enjoy attending indoor events with limited and/or uncomfortable seating (e.g., bleachers). People who attend indoor/outdoor sporting events and must sit in bleachers are forced to sit on a cold, hard seat without back support. While the experience may be enjoyable, people may get uncomfortable and stiff sitting on inconvenient surfaces. While some people may sit on the ground or on bleachers, others bring portable seats or cushions. However, in certain settings, the terrain can be uneven and uncomfortable making use of portable seats impractical or impossible. In addition, portable seats/cushions are not practical in all settings.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

According to an aspect, the innovation provides a multifunctional folding chair. This folding chair can be used by individuals and spectators at many types of events, including sporting events, camping, tailgating, and the like. In an embodiment, the folding chair may include height-adjustable legs that allow the seat to be used on uneven surfaces and to be adjustable for various users (e.g., for children and adults). In one embodiment, the folding chair may include four height-adjustable legs. The height adjustable legs may be capable of being secured substantially flush with the base of the seat when not needed (e.g., when used on bleachers) or for storage/transport.

In one embodiment, the multifunctional folding chair may include a support portion, a base portion and individually or independently adjustable legs that are configured to fold such that they can be secured to the underside of the base portion. In one embodiment, the folding chair may also include an armrest or armrests that allow users to relax in comfort, especially useful on bleacher seats and other typically uncomfortable seating arrangements. In one embodiment, the folding chair may include fasteners to secure the folding chair to a surface (e.g., the surface of a bleacher). In an embodiment, each of the legs of the foldable chair may be independently telescopically adjustable for increased stability.

In one embodiment, the folding chair may include a pocket or a plurality of pockets for storing personal items such as cell phones, programs, schedules, food, beverages, and more.

To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a first side view of an embodiment according to the innovation.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a second side view of an embodiment according to the innovation.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a perspective view of an underside of an embodiment according to the innovation.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an embodiment according to the innovation that is securable to a flat surface.

FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting an embodiment according to the innovation that is folded and secured into a compact form for transportation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details.

According to an aspect, the innovation provides a multipurpose folding chair. Such a chair may be a portable folding chair. The folding chair may include a support portion, a base portion, and adjustable legs. The support portion may be attachable or attached to the base portion. The base portion and support portion are configured to fold into a closed position and unfold into an open position. In one embodiment, the folding chair may include a locking mechanism to hold the chair in the open position.

In one embodiment, the chair may be configured to be fold such that it alternates between a closed position and an open position. In the open position, the back support of the support portion is generally vertical and oriented such that the user may sit comfortably with his or her back against the back support and the seat of the base portion is generally horizontal and oriented such that the user may comfortably sit upon the seat.

In one embodiment, the chair may include a locking mechanism configured to keep the chair in the open position. The locking mechanism may include a locking hinge or any other locking mechanism that is conventional in the art.

In one embodiment, the foldable chair may include a securing mechanism for maintaining the chair in the closed position. Such securing mechanism may include buttons, snaps, slide fasteners, ties, tabs, hook and loop fasteners, clips, and any other suitable fastener. The securing mechanism may keep the chair releasably closed such that when a user releases the securing feature, the chair automatically opens. Such a securing mechanism may include a shock mechanism, a spring mechanism, or a combination shock and spring mechanism, or any other comparable element that is conventional in the art. In one embodiment, the securing feature may include a fluid pressure shock mechanism.

In one embodiment, the folding chair may comprise a frame. The frame may be part of the support portion, the base portion, or both the support and base portions. In another embodiment, the frame may be coupled to the support portion, the base portion, or both.

In one embodiment, the base portion may include a frame portion and a seat portion. The seat portion is on the top or upper side of the base portion and is configured to support a user while sitting. The seat portion may include a cushion or other comfortable material. The bottom or under side of the base portion may be connected to an adjustable leg(s).

The bottom or under side of the base portion may further include a recess or other area into which the adjustable leg(s) may be secured. In one embodiment, the adjustable leg(s) may be secured into the recess such that the adjustable leg(s) do not extend beyond the depth of the base portion. This allows the base portion to remain flat when it is placed on a flat surface. For example, if the folding chair is to be used as a stadium seat or in an area where the use of the adjustable leg(s) is inconvenient or not desired, the adjustable leg(s) can be secured

It is to be appreciated that embodiments in which the adjustable leg(s) are not in direct contact with the bottom of the base portion are within the scope of the innovation. For example, there may be a compartment that houses the adjustable leg(s) when folded or that stores the adjustable leg(s) when they are removed.

In one embodiment, the base portion may include a securing component for securing the folding seat to a surface. A securing component may be a fastener such as clips, hooks, ties, or any other fastener suitable for securing the folding seat to a surface such as a bleacher.

The support portion may be made of the same or different material than the base portion. In one embodiment, the support portion includes a frame and a back support that is attached to or is attachable to the frame.

The folding chair may include a locking mechanism for locking the support portion in place. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism may be coupled to the frame such that the support portion is in a generally upright position when in the open position. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism may be coupled to the frame to allow for adjustments to the angle of inclination for the generally upright support portion.

In one embodiment, the adjustable leg(s) may include a locking feature to lock each leg into place once it has been suitably adjusted.

It is to be appreciated that the adjustable leg(s) is meant to encompass any suitable structure that will support a user sitting in the folding chair and the folding chair. This includes leg(s), bar(s), pole(s) and the like.

In one embodiment, the adjustable leg(s) may be attached to the underside of the base portion. In one embodiment, the legs may be removably attached to the base portion such that the legs can be removed if not needed and then reattached to the base portion when needed. In one embodiment, the legs, once removed, can be fitted into a recess in the underside of the base portion.

In one embodiment, the legs may be configured to fold or otherwise collapse such that they fit under the base portion or into a recess formed by or within the base portion. In one embodiment, a covering (e.g., a plate or lid) may fit over the opening of the recess to form a relatively flat surface such that the base portion of the folding chair may rest securely on another relatively flat surface. For example, in one embodiment, the folding chair may rest on a bleacher.

In one embodiment, the legs may be adjustably positionable to provide additional stability while the foldable chair is in the open position. For example, the legs may be configured such that they extend beyond at least a portion of the base portion. In one embodiment, the position of the legs with respect to the base portion may be adjustable from side to side. In one embodiment, the angle of the legs with respect to the base portion may be adjustable. For example, the angle of the legs may be adjustable to accommodate uneven terrain.

In one embodiment, the folding chair may also include a reinforcing support or brace to enhance the weight accommodation capabilities of the folding chair. For example, a reinforcing support or brace may connect a pair of adjustable legs such that the legs can accommodate greater weight.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, diagrams of embodiments according to the innovation are provided.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams of a side view of a folding chair 100 according to an embodiment of the innovation. The folding chair 100 comprises a support portion 110 and a base portion 120. The support portion 110 may be configured in a mostly vertical orientation so as to support a user's back when the user sits in the folding chair 100. The support portion 110 may further include a cushion or padding 111. The base portion may further includes cushion or padding 121.

According to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support portion 110 is attached to the base portion 120 via a hinge portion 130.

The hinge portion 130 may be configured to facilitate folding of the folding chair 100 into a compact form (e.g., FIG. 5). The folding chair may further include a handle 160 for carrying the folding chair 100 when folded. The handle 160 may also facilitate opening and closing the folding chair.

The folding chair 100 may further include at least one armrest 140. In an embodiment, folding chair 100 includes two opposing arm rests 140 a, 140 b. In one embodiment, a pocket 150, 152 may be attached or attachable to an armrest 140. The pockets 150, 152 may be configured to hold various types of items including a beverage.

The folding chair may include adjustable legs 170. In one embodiment the folding chair 100 may include a pair of substantially U-shaped legs 140 for a total of four individual legs for support purposes. It should be appreciated that any number of individual legs may be provided in accordance with the present innovation, such as for example two pairs of three opposition legs, or any other number of plurality of opposing legs that may be foldably interconnect in a comb-like manner for storage.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the pair of substantially u-shaped legs 340 may be attached to the base portion 320 via a bracket(s) such that the substantially U-shaped legs 340 may be folded beneath the base portion 320.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 4, securing flanges 490 may be attached to the base portion 420 and configured to secure the base portion to a flat surface such as a bleacher 495.

In another embodiment, each leg 140 may be independently telescopically adjustable, such as for adding stability while used on an inclined slope (i.e., on a hillside), on a stairway, or on any other inconsistent terrain. It should be appreciated that in accordance with the present innovation, each independently telescopically adjustable leg may be adjustable by mechanisms conventional in the art, such as but not limited to a twistable tension lock, a plurality of snaps/buttons and hole arrangement oriented along the vertical axis of each leg, a post-and-hole arrangement, and the like.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment according to the innovation of the folding chair 500 in the folded (closed) position.

According to an aspect, the innovation provides a folding chair useful for many different environments including for indoor/outdoor sporting events, campsites, tailgates, and more. In some embodiments, the folding chair may be compact, allowing a user to fold components inward for transportation. In one embodiment, the folding chair may include a backrest, a pair of armrests, at least one pocket for securing personal items, securement clips, and foldable height-adjustable legs.

The legs can be retracted and hidden underneath the seat when not in use. When expanded, users may independently adjust the leg height to accommodate uneven terrain. The seat of the base portion features comfortable padding to accommodate a user sitting for a considerable period of time. The bleacher clips can be extended from the front and secured to a bleacher to prevent unwanted movement. Pockets on the sides can be used to store small personal items, beverages, food, and more. Overall, the seat is intended to improve comfort while sitting at numerous venues for events such as basketball, volleyball, fireworks, outdoor concerts, soccer, baseball and much more.

In one embodiment according to the innovation, the folding chair may be constructed using leather, nylon, foam, plastic, and other suitable materials. The seat may measure approximately 18-20″ in width and 15″ in height. The legs may expand up to 16-17″ in length. Exact size, measurement, construction, and design specifications may vary upon manufacturing.

What has been described above includes examples of the innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. 

1. A folding chair comprising: a support portion having a back support; a base portion having a top seat portion and bottom portion, wherein the base portion is foldably connected to the support portion such that the folding chair may alternate between an open position and a closed position; at least one height adjustable leg hingedly attached to the bottom portion of the base portion such that the at least one height adjustable leg is capable of being secured substantially flat against the bottom portion of the base portion.
 2. The folding chair of claim 1 further comprising a frame, wherein the frame supports at least a part of either the base portion, the support portion, or both.
 3. The folding chair of claim 3, wherein the support portion and the base portion are supported by the frame and wherein the frame includes a hinge portion that foldably connects the support portion and the base portion.
 4. The folding chair of claim 1 further comprising a pair of opposing armrests.
 5. The folding chair of claim 1 further comprising at least one pocket.
 6. The folding chair of claim 1 comprising a pair of substantially U-shaped legs.
 7. The folding chair of claim 1 wherein the top seat portion of the base portion includes a cushion.
 8. The folding chair of claim 1 comprising at least two height adjustable legs.
 9. The folding chair of claim 9 wherein the at least two height adjustable legs are independently adjustable.
 10. The folding chair of claim 1 further comprising a securing component configured to attach the folding chair to a surface.
 11. A folding chair comprising: a support portion having a back support; a base portion having a top seat portion and bottom portion, a frame supporting at least a portion of each of the support portion and the base portion, the frame comprising a hinge portion that foldably connects the support portion to the base portion such that the folding chair may alternate between an open position and a closed position; at least two independently height adjustable legs hingedly attached to the bottom portion of the base portion such that the at least one height adjustable leg is capable of being secured substantially flat against the bottom portion of the base portion.
 12. The folding chair of claim 11 further comprising a pair of opposing armrests.
 13. The folding chair of claim 11 further comprising at least one pocket.
 14. The folding chair of claim 11 wherein the at least two independently height adjustable legs are a pair of substantially U-shaped legs.
 15. The folding chair of claim 11 wherein the top seat portion of the base portion includes a cushion.
 16. The folding chair of claim 11 further comprising a securing component configured to attach the folding chair to a surface.
 17. The folding chair of claim 16 wherein the securing component is attached to the base portion.
 18. A folding chair comprising: a support portion having a back support; a base portion having a top seat portion and bottom portion, wherein the base portion is foldably connected to the support portion such that the folding chair may alternate between an open position and a closed position; at least two independently height adjustable legs hingedly releasably attached to the bottom portion of the base portion.
 19. The folding chair of claim 18 further comprising a frame, wherein the frame supports at least a part of either the base portion, the support portion, or both.
 20. The folding chair of claim 19, wherein the support portion and the base portion are supported by the frame and wherein include a hinge portion that foldably connects the support portion and the base portion. 